How to: Makeup on the Under Eye

Good lighting and a mirror are essential when applying eye makeup.

Eye makeup emphasizes your eyes and draws attention to the overall appearance of your face. When applying makeup to eyes, it's often the upper-eye area that's focused on. However, to completely enhance your eyes, you must also pay attention to the lower-eye area. Learn how to hide discolorations under your eyes, and how to subtly apply under-eye makeup.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Foundation
• Foundation sponge
• Concealer
• Concealer brush
• Powder
• Powder brush
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Paper tissue
• Eyelash comb or mascara wand

Instructions

1. Apply face primer over your skin. Primer evens out your skin; it fills in fine lines and wrinkles below and around your eyes and provides a matte base for your makeup to adhere to.

2. Apply foundation in a similar tint as your skin below the eye area. Use a foundation sponge or your fingertips to distribute the color evenly over your skin.

3. Dot a concealer that is one shade darker than your skin on your under-eye circles. Use a concealer brush or the pad of your ring finger to distribute and blend in the concealer. Concealer helps hide any blemishes and discolorations on your skin. Avoid using a concealer that's too light, because this only highlights the area.

4. Use a large powder brush to dust loose powder over the under-eye area. Powder absorbs any oil from your skin and helps keep your makeup in place.

5. Line your lower eyelid with eyeliner. Start behind the tear ducts and work your way outward to the outer corners of your eye. Make a thin line as close as possible to your eyelashes. Avoid using bold colors such as blue or green, because these don't enhance your eyes; use brown or black eyeliner.

6. Apply mascara to your lower eyelashes. Dip your mascara wand into the mascara tube. Remove it and wipe off excess mascara with a paper tissue. Hold the wand vertically so you can easily add mascara to each individual eyelash. Apply two layers of mascara. Use an eyelash comb or clean mascara wand to comb through, separate and declump your eyelashes.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your face with a mild facial wash, and moisturize it before applying your makeup. Use products geared toward your skin type.

• Moisten a cotton swab with eye makeup remover to erase any mistakes while applying your eye makeup.

References

• Free Beauty Tips: Dark Under Eye Circles: Causes & How to Hide or Lighten Them with Makeup
• Real Beauty: How to Cover Up Under-Eye Circles
• Easy Makeup Guide: Natural Eye Makeup
• Paula's Choice: Mascara Secrets Unveiled